Kilifi North MP Owen Baya has questioned the opposition motive on the proposed Finance Bill, 2023.
Speaking on Tuesday, Baya said that the bill will be passed in the National Assembly because Azimio la Umoja coalition MPs have not bothered to bring any amendments.
“Azimio MPs have not proposed a single amendment to the Finance Bill 2023. The opposition has abrogated their duty to challenge laws in the House, which is why the Bill will pass in record time,” he said at a local Tv station.
Baya explained that at the National Assembly, it doesn’t matter what one says outside, but what is brought on the floor of the house is more important, and that’s what is put on a vote.
“Amendments which are going to be brought are from the Finance Committee which is chaired by a Kenya Kwanza MP."
In addition, the MP said that Kenyans should blame Azimio for failing to propose amendments if the bill passes as it is.
“Kenyans should question Azimio and ask them about the role they play as the opposition if they cannot bring amendments,” Baya added.
With the nod of President William Ruto, the Finance Committee of the National Assembly has made a significant concession on the housing levy but declined to completely remove it.
In the new proposal, the committee has vacated the three per cent monthly deduction and instead settled on 1.5 per cent.
In a major relief to employers, the deduction according to the amended report, will now be paid only by employees.
Initially, the deduction was to be matched by employers in what many warned could drive many enterprises out of business.
The bill is set to be tabled on Tuesday for debate.
